Halloween 2008

Happy Halloween family and friends. What a fabulous day today was! This was Aidan's very first halloween and boy, did he like it. We started out the day by doing some errands for my new job. It took a lot longer than we expected. Then we headed to the Bennett house to see Maren and Ethan. Ethan was taking a nap, but Maren showed off her beautiful Snow White costume. Aidan played with Dustin and Maren and Kellie for a bit then we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Arnold's house. Quick visit just long enough to get some candy, yum! Then we went to Aunt Suzie's house for more candy. We took a minute to play in the leaves and giggle. Then we came back home to eat dinner with Brian. Yummy chili! Aidan took some chili from my spoon and guess what.... he loved it. He seemed to be fine with it so to help keep tradition going, I gave him some more. Tradition. The Armga tradition. The cherished Armga tradition, the one that NO ONE dare mess with, especially my chili!

Then we regrouped and went over to the Lincoln's house. Before we got into the house we saw Aidan's friends Addi Grace and Seth. He giggled a minute with them. They were so cute. We visited for a bit with everyone. Aidan loves to go over and play with them. He gets so much love and attention, who wouldn't love it?

Then we went and visited with Grandpa Jeff and Aunt Ann and Rain. Fun time there. Aidan played a little bit with Toby. Then we visited with Great Grandma Wilson. She is too cute and we love her. Aidan loved playing with her television set, it sets on the floor. Aidan went right up to it and was talking and hitting the people on television.

Then we decided to go and visit Grandma Pat at work. She works at Lagoon during the season. Aidan had a lot of fun visiting with her and looking at all the lights of the park. And Lagoon has some pretty silly looking people there, especially during Frightmares. But he had lots of fun. Then Aidan let us know that his night was quickly winding to an end. So we decided to head home and go to bed. We hope everyone else had a fun Halloween. We loved it!

I realize that he is still little and will not remember much about tonight, but the Larson's have traditions, both new and old. So here are some pictures of our Halloween.

Pumpkins that we painted. The top one is Aidan.
The bottom left is Brian and then mine.
When Aidan gets bigger we will carve instead.
I have no talent in painting.
And yes Aidan did help with his pumpkin.

A bowl of my yummy chili.
This year I made it mild compared
last years, but then again I was also pregnant
and EVERYTHING was spicy.

Aidan fresh out of the bath tub,
ready to get this party started!

In his costume/outfit. He was a sheriff.
He had the boots and the badge.

His first trick or treat experience with his
favorite Aunt Kellie.
She had lots of yummy treats.

Aidan with Uncle Dustin. Check out the hat.
It didn't last long.

Yummy sucker. I think it would taste better
with out the wrapper, but what do I know.
Eating food. Yummy!
Grandma Pat had to work at Lagoon.
So we went to visit her.
Aidan is under the hood of his coat.

Watching all the silly people dressed
up at Lagoon and getting tired.

We also want to let everyone know that we are sorry if we didn't get to see you today. Hopefully we can see you soon.

We were really planning on going and visiting with everyone at the Burns' house. But Aidan decided that he had had enough and wanted to go to bed. I hope the party was fun, it was at Debbie and Joe's house so of course it rocked! Let us know when the next one is and we will come to it.

Love ya.

And Happy Halloween 2008!!! It was a blast!!!

Umemployment is a distant memory

So unemployment didn't last long. My last shift at the theater (that I worked) was Wednesday. Earlier today I went to my new job orientation. I hope this job is going to as ideal as it seems in my head. Flexible hours, reasonable pay and best off all the perks of a school district job. No nights, weekends or holidays. And best of all no summers (unless I want to). I was just hired as a tutor for the Native American students in the Davis school district. I am nervous and excited. I haven't really had a new job in like ten years. The theater was always my life. Now I can move on. Quitting the theater has been bittersweet. I miss it already but I love being with Aidan. My goal is to get my family on a normal regular routine. Last night Aidan went to bed at 9PM (he woke up for about an hour at midnight) but then slept until 930 AM. We are well on our way to a regular wonderful schedule. So that is all for now. Give me some time and I will let you know more about my new adventures in the school district.

Also sorry if I am doing this too much (blogging). I think I am addicted!!!

Blah Blah Bah

Unemployment. So far so good. I have many new goals as an at-home-mom. To be crafty is on the list but above all to be a good mom and teach little Aidan all the things that I can to help him grow and learn. I want to be a good wife and be there for Brian. I want to clean house and do my own kind of "visiting teaching." We haven't been to church now in gosh, almost three months. Time just flew past us. It was hard to go to church when I wasn't getting home until 1 AM and then had to be back to work the next day. Our church is at 9 AM. I know it's just an excuse but it is also a reality. I plan on putting this family on a normal routine so that church doesn't seem so preposterous. Aidan loves it when I sing church songs and I tell him Book of Mormon stories. Hopefully, church will be just as fun and entertaining for him. Last night Aidan was in bed by 11 PM and Brian and I fell asleep at 2 AM. But we were in bed lying down by 1215 AM. That is amazing. I told Brian give me 10-14 days and we will be as normal as can be. This morning Aidan and I woke up at 915 AM, also another amazing feat. Normally we were waking up around noon or 1 PM. Everyone watch out...the Larson's are going normal and traditional.

Also Halloween is on Friday. Brian and I want to be able to have little Aidan trick or treat at everyone's house. This is the order that we anticipate doing it.

Bennett Family house (just Aidan and I)
Grandma and Grandpa's house (just Aidan and I)
Suzie's house (just Aidan and I)
Brian home from work
Dinner for Brian
Lincoln family house
Grandpa and Grandma Larson house
Grandma Wilson house
And if we are still happy and awake
The theater
The Burns family Halloween party.

All this will start about 3 PM.

Let me know if this is unrealistic for the rest of you. Stephanie, are you going to be at your family residence? I anticipate being there between 6 and 7 PM.

Pictures with be posted soon thereafter.

Laters...

Account of Vegas Wedding Weekend Extravaganza!!

Wow! What a weekend! On Saturday morning I was getting ready to go and take a test and go vote early when I received a phone call from Harrison. He said I need you to come down to St. George now. I said why? Is everything okay? He said yes just he and Jordan had decided to run away and elope to Vegas. He said that he would wait for us and do it Sunday afternoon, otherwise they were going to do it Saturday night. After many phone calls and a stressful hour, I managed to find someone to work my last two shifts at the theater and get my test done and everything packed (I still haven't voted). By 3 PM we were off. All day long Aidan knew that something was going on. When we put him in the car seat he got a little concerned. The ride down was quite smooth. We stopped in Farmington for gas and then again in Fillmore. In Fillmore Aidan got to get some wiggles out. Then we got back on the road. We stopped in Beaver for some dinner. Aidan loves his fries. I shared mine with him, but he is already for his own small fry, I don't think I ate but three. So from Beaver to St. George he munched on some fries.

Everyone was waiting for us when we got there about 830 PM. Aidan giggled and played with everyone. He loves the attention. Then off to bed.

On Sunday we all woke up early, 8 AM, to shower and get on the road. Aidan slept most of the way to Vegas, waking up when we stopped at the Valley of Fire. Aunt Jordan gave him his needed attention and was one happy camper the rest of the way. Once in Vegas we drove around town looking for the marriage license bureau. They purchased the license then we went to the MGM and parked the car. We walked around and saw the lions at the MGM and then headed to the food court and got lunch. Grandma shared her ice cream with Aidan and he loved it! After a brief moment to eat we were off to M & M world and the Coke store. Aidan at first liked the M & M store, many colors and people and then he got hungry. Once he was feed he was enjoying all the people he saw. He even was mesmerized by the giant Red M & M that greeted us outside the store. Then we went back to the cars so that we could get Jordan's dress. She is too cute. She just put on the dress right there in the parking garage. That sounds like something I would do! Know wonder I love her to death! Then Brian and I took Aidan in our car to the wedding chapel. The wedding was supposed to start at 4 PM but Harrison and Jordan were married and out of the chapel by 330 PM. Supper quick. Those who were in attendance were the Larson's, the Isenhart/Massie's, Jordan's cousins, Don, Kristin, and Liam, and Don's mom and dad and sister and brother-in-law with their two babies and Don's younger brother. Those who were early for the ceremony and yet late at the same time were Mike and Heidi Lee, and Andy and Toni and their girls. Awesome turn out for a 24 hour notice.

After the ceremony we all went back the the MGM parking garage and visited and chatted. Fun place for a reception, though chairs would have been ideal, we visited for more than an hour. Then the greater part of us headed to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Yummy!!! We had nearly twenty of us eating and the waiter was very efficient, almost to a fault. Even before we order he brougt the babies a small plate of bread and sliced bananas. Awesome idea. Because Aidan was getting hungry. I had a yummy BBQ sandwich and Brian had Chicken Parmigiana. After dinner Don and his family and Andy and his family, and the Isenhart/ Massie's took off for home. The rest of us tried to go to the outlet stores to by shoes for Jordan's cousins. Poor girls, there feet hurt so bad. But the stores were closed. So we headed back to Caesar's to park the cars again and we headed out, by foot and stroller to go to the Treasure Island Show and the Bellagio fountain show. We missed the TI show by mere moments and didn't want to wait 90 minutes for the next one to start so we headed down to the Bellagio. That fountain show is always a delight, I think. Then the Larson's headed back to the car to head back to St. George. Poor Aidan was so tired he didn't want to close his eyes, but all his actions and responses were in slow motion. The drive was smooth and quick, Aidan slept. That night little Aidan slept like a rock!!

On Sunday we woke up about 11AM and relaxed most of the day. Mom called in to work saying we were still here and the ladies were she worked said don't come in, play with the family. Thanks ladies! The mom and I went shopping. I didn't spend too much but I did spend. I spent $23 at a scrapbooking store. I have never spent that much in that type of store...ever! But now I won't need to go to the store for a while. Then we had hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner and headed home. We meant to leave at noon but decided to stay later. Typical for when we go to St. George...

Then the drive home was mellow. Aidan slept all but twenty minutes. He had a long rough weekend of fun. When we got home (at midnight) we had a guest waiting for us...a mouse was in my house!!! Icky icky icky. Aidan saw it the same time I did and took off in full crawling mode to go and find him. I screamed and Brian said we were just seeing things and then he saw it. Icky icky icky. We now have poison under our stove, which is were he ran away too. I don't like surprises like that. Nasty little animals.

Then after we all calmed down we went to bed. Aidan slept like a rock until 1030 AM. What a whirl wind trip. But it sure was fun!

Vegas Baby Vegas!!

So today I got a phone call from Harrison.... Jordan and he are eloping tomorrow morning. They are going to do it in Vegas. So with that in mind I looked at my husband and said "Vegas?" He said if you can get your shifts covered, why not. I got the shifts covered. So Viva Las Vegas. I will keep you posted on all of the grueling details of a spontaneous road trip with an eight month old. Oh my! What fun! Last I heard they is going to be an open house in the North around Thanksgiving time. Later everyone!!! Viva!!!!!!

Twlight

****I am not posting this becasue I am in away affiliated with any theater. I just posting this as another option for you movie goers. The Gateway in Salt Lake and the Junction in Ogden does reserved seating. You just buy your tickets on line, and show up 10 minutes before the show starts. I still love Tinseltown. Just something to think about.
With that being said, I still am not going to see the movie. I hope you all enjoy and I am still open to babysit for whomever wants to go.

Additional Twilight info...

Katie's thoughts on Twilight.

Check The Bennett blog first.

These are my thoughts on her blog......

I highly recommend not meeting at 11. What normally happens is that they let the midnighters go into the theater about 930 or 10PM. This helps to eliminate any kind of drama with the amount of people coming and going and especially the weather. I recommend going to the theater about 3 pm and getting wrist bands. (Lately that is what has been happening wrist bands to help determine who is line jumping etc.) The wrist bands are numbered. In times past you could get a wrist band and leave and come back. I assume this is the same for Twilight. So my thoughts for this crazy night. Buy your tickets as soon as possible. On Thursday the 20th go to the theater about 3 PM and get a wrist band. The more people that you can get to get wrist bands at the same time the better. Go home feed the babies, take a nap what ever until about 830 or 9PM. I will find out for sure what is the strategic plan from those at the theater. Continually check this blog and Kellie's for updates. This includes the comment sections...

I will not be an employee when Twilight comes out so everything I just said is subject to change. But I will always be in contact with theater buddies and I will make sure that they keep my posted so that I can keep you posted.

Mommyhood and Umemployment

Three more shifts until unemployment. Yippie!! Well actually three more shifts and then I won't work at the theater any more. I am looking for other employment, just not very hard. I want a job that will allow me to be a good mom. I think I do a good job of trying but sometimes that just isn't enough. I love the theater industry. I love working with people and helping them to have a fun experience. What I don't like is working weekends and holidays, late hours, and feeling burnt out. I don't know about anyone else but I don't think it is healthy to share my unhealthiness with my eight month old son. Brian and I are so screwed up from working at the theater that circadian rhythms are a myth to us. People actually go to bed at a descent hour? Brian is such a sweetheart, when I work he waits up for me. I assume to make sure I get home okay. It is so sweet and lovely. But I hate it. I hate that if he waits up for me that means he only gets at most four hours of sleep a night. Goodness! What constitutes a descent hour? I believe that hour is not constantly 2 AM. I also believe that little babies should be in bed WAY before that. Aidan likes to take a couple of cat naps until mommy gets home, on most nights. I hate it. I should just be there to put him to bed at eight every night, don't you think so? I am scared and excited about this unemployment thing. I have always had a job since I was 15 (14 is you count a regular babysitting gig). I look forward to quitting and making my family healthier by regular sleeping hours, better eating habits, teaching Aidan new things, staying on top of homework and other important life situations. Lets hope the idea in my head can become a reality.

Go Jimmie Johnson!!!!

So my friends and family I just needed to take a moment and say that Jimmie Johnson in the #48 Lowe's car is freaking awesome. Most people do not understand my love of this silly little sport but I love it. I like to drive fast and watching NASCAR allows me to do so vicariously. I would love to be able to drive 150-200 MPH and not worry about a ticket, but worry about how big my check would be for showing off such talent. How cool would it be to crash into a wall at 150 MPH and know that you would be okay (you could walk away), you wouldn't get into trouble and that you could have another fast car just waiting for you in the garage. There is more to NASCAR than making all left hand turns. There is so much more to learn and understand, and I do so after every race. If anyone wants to learn about NASCAR, just ask between Brian and I we can answer most questions. If we can't we have our own NASCAR guru, Jeremy.

Also only one other driver has ever won three championships in a row, Cale Yarborough. But I think that this year Jimmie Johnson will win the championship and make it three in a row. Good Luck Jimmie!!! We love you!

see my cute grandkids

I posted some pics of the grandkids....check out our blog at armga.blogspot.com

School...University...Why?

10.5 years. Estimated cost $15,000.00. Heartache, insomnia, stress like you couldn't believe, unlimited amounts of brain power exerted.

I enjoy a good conversation. I enjoy learning and thinking outside the box. I enjoy deep problems and trying to find the answers to solve them. Ever semester I doubt why I enroll in school. So many around me have given up and have never received the piece of paper that I so covet. I know that coveting is bad and no a good idea. But coveting a Bachelor's degree is the only thing that makes me wake up in the morning and get ready for school. A day of stress, and general boloney. I only have this semester left. If I can pass all of my classes, I will get that silly degree. Five classes. Homework, study and hardwork. I hope that for the benefit of my sanity, for Aidan, for future children, for Brian....I will get passing grades and I will graduate.

Cute Baby

Could he be any cuter!

I wanted to add some cute pictures of Aidan. This is from a few weeks ago when the Lincoln's got the blessing of babysitting. This kid is so good, he never even really fusses. He loves Tony the cat.

Things to do Before I Die...

Go horseback riding

Go skydiving

Visit all 50 states

Visit all temples in Utah

Visit 50 temples/25 temple sessions

Visit 10 foreign countries

Learn 15 languages

Read all of John Grisham's novels

Read all of Jane Austen's novels

Visit Yellowstone

Visit Mt. Rushmore

Ride a motorcycle

Ride on a hot air balloon

Go skinny dipping

Swim with the dolphins

Visit La Isla de Pascua

Visit Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius

Go to Ireland

Go to England

Go to Italy

Go to the Holy Land

Go to Antarctica

Run/Walk a marathon

Learn to sew

Write a screenplay

Direct the screenplay

Write a song

Learn to play the piano

Go to a boxing match

Go to a hockey game

Go to a professional football game

Eat something crazy and unique to a super foreign country

Eat Middle Eastern food

Eat Vietnamese food

Go to Bobby Flay/Mario Batali's restaurant in Vegas

Ride in a limo

Serve a couples mission

Graduate college

Go to graduate school/law school

Go on a cruise

Read the bible…start to finish…front to back

Eat fondue

Visit La Laguna de San Rafael

Visit Punta Arenas

Go on a safari

Take a cruise of the Great Salt Lake

Ride a train

Go see Devil's Tower

Know all of Utah If anyone has money or resources to help me fulfill any of these let me know...it's a work in progress

I got Tagged...

Things I am passionate about:
-Aidan
-Brian
-Family
-Finding comfort and happiness

Words or phrases I say often:
-maaamaaa
-daaadaaa
-I love you
-Thank you
-I need a nap

Things I want to do before I die:
-Get married in the temple
-Buy a house
-Make 3 more babies

Things I have learned from my past:
- be grateful
- just do it.... you'll survive
- have faith
- endure to the end

Places I would love to see:
-Italy
-UK
-All 50 states
-Aurora Borealus
-Hadrian's Wall
- museums, and history stuff

Things I currently want and need:
-Sleep
-Money
-To be unemployed
-To have my freaking degree already!!!!


I tag Megan and Steven